If this is indeed true then Tampa is making a pitch at trying to sign Mezaros to an offersheet. If they offer what they are supposedly offering him, they would have to give up their 1st, 2nd and 3rd round picks as compensation. Something they couldn't do without their 3rd.

There is some speculation that the Pens would be getting back a higher draft pick. I'd take that over Jokinen. He's just another fringe 2nd/3rd line type of player of which they already have a few. Having an extra second rounder would be a nice chip to have at the deadline.

I doubt Tampa would trade a high pick to get a third rounder back, it makes no sense. Why trade a second round pick for a third? Probably a player, but I don't understand why Shero would add more salary when they're pressed against the cap. Ideas?

Samsdog wrote:I doubt Tampa would trade a high pick to get a third rounder back, it makes no sense. Why trade a second round pick for a third? Probably a player, but I don't understand why Shero would add more salary when they're pressed against the cap. Ideas?

Because they must have their third round pick back to sign Mezsaros to an offer sheet. They're not in a position to bargain for a good deal. It's typical of what they've been doing lately but let's hope the Pens get lucky and benefit.

If true my question is will the pens have a draft pick for the rest of the decade? This year really hurt not having a pick until round 4 and will rear its head eventually. I'd like to see RS hang on to picks going forward

spi wrote:If true my question is will the pens have a draft pick for the rest of the decade? This year really hurt not having a pick until round 4 and will rear its head eventually. I'd like to see RS hang on to picks going forward

Well, this was an extra pick they got for trading Malone's and Robert's rights. A lot of times teams don't want to even have too many extra picks because they don't want to flood their organization with players. If they can turn a freebie third rounder into a second rounder that is used as part of a deadline deal, I'd say they did quite well getting something for nothing.

spi wrote:If true my question is will the pens have a draft pick for the rest of the decade? This year really hurt not having a pick until round 4 and will rear its head eventually. I'd like to see RS hang on to picks going forward

I agree, but with GM's who have highly skilled ufa players at the end of their contract like Hossa. The gm's are going to ask for player/prospects/picks. I would rather give up a first rounder and a prospect then strip 3 guys off my roster just to save that pick for someone who may take 3-5 years to pan out, plus unless the pens break down totally the pick will be in the 26-30 range.

As lucky as the pens have been drafting the past few years i can afford to not be displeased with not having a first rounder for a few years.

spi wrote:If true my question is will the pens have a draft pick for the rest of the decade? This year really hurt not having a pick until round 4 and will rear its head eventually. I'd like to see RS hang on to picks going forward

Seriously? If HH's post were accurate, they would be in a significantly better situation draftwise. Otherwise have picks 1-4, 6, 7, and Tampa's 3rd, so they are in a better position than the average team next draft.

Samsdog wrote:I doubt Tampa would trade a high pick to get a third rounder back, it makes no sense. Why trade a second round pick for a third? Probably a player, but I don't understand why Shero would add more salary when they're pressed against the cap. Ideas?

It would make sense if, ultimately, you're getting what you want: Meszaros. And it also makes sense if your Tampa Bay and do nothing that makes sense.

What exactly would Tampa Bay be sending to Ottawa if they signed Meszaros to the rumored $5+ million offer sheet? Am I assuming correctly that it is a first, second and third rounder? If so, do the Lightning have additional higher picks to even trade the Penguins a higher pick for the rights to their original third rounder?

I really think this deal has to involve a player, and Jokinen is the only one that makes sense -- at least somewhat.

Jeff Halpern's going to miss the first few months of the season so even adding Mezsaros to what they have, they wouldn't need to move any salary to be under the cap to start the season. There's been talk about Jokinen for a while now so I wouldn't be surprised if they trade him somewhere, but moving salary shouldn't be a pressing need for them. Getting the third back is.

Defence21 wrote:What exactly would Tampa Bay be sending to Ottawa if they signed Meszaros to the rumored $5+ million offer sheet? Am I assuming correctly that it is a first, second and third rounder? If so, do the Lightning have additional higher picks to even trade the Penguins a higher pick for the rights to their original third rounder?

I really think this deal has to involve a player, and Jokinen is the only one that makes sense -- at least somewhat.

Defence21 wrote:What exactly would Tampa Bay be sending to Ottawa if they signed Meszaros to the rumored $5+ million offer sheet? Am I assuming correctly that it is a first, second and third rounder? If so, do the Lightning have additional higher picks to even trade the Penguins a higher pick for the rights to their original third rounder?

I really think this deal has to involve a player, and Jokinen is the only one that makes sense -- at least somewhat.

Speculation/rumor was that it would be 2010's 2nd rounder.

Either way, as of now they have 2 firsts, 2 seconds, and a third, so if the pens were ok with taking San Jose's 1st or Philly's 2nd, it would be fine.

Defence21 wrote:What exactly would Tampa Bay be sending to Ottawa if they signed Meszaros to the rumored $5+ million offer sheet? Am I assuming correctly that it is a first, second and third rounder? If so, do the Lightning have additional higher picks to even trade the Penguins a higher pick for the rights to their original third rounder?

I really think this deal has to involve a player, and Jokinen is the only one that makes sense -- at least somewhat.

Speculation/rumor was that it would be 2010's 2nd rounder.

Ah, gotcha. That certainly would be a nice trading chip to have at the deadline, eh?

Samsdog wrote:I doubt Tampa would trade a high pick to get a third rounder back, it makes no sense. Why trade a second round pick for a third? Probably a player, but I don't understand why Shero would add more salary when they're pressed against the cap. Ideas?

Because they must have their third round pick back to sign Mezsaros to an offer sheet. They're not in a position to bargain for a good deal. It's typical of what they've been doing lately but let's hope the Pens get lucky and benefit.

I also thought I read that they have 2 2nd's for this upcoming draft. Not positive on that though.